A prospective MP for Watford has promised she will not claim taxpayers' money for a second home, if elected to Parliament.

Sal Brinton, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Watford, today promised that, if elected as Watford’s next MP, she will not claim the controversial second homes allowance.

Ms Brinton said: “I have my one and only home in Watford, with my family. If elected as the next MP for Watford I would expect that to continue to be the case.

“When my father was an MP in the 1970s and 80s, parliament sat late at night, and quite often until 2 or 3 in the morning, and there was much more of an argument for a small flat in Westminster.

“However, times have changed and it is rare that Parliament sits beyond 10pm three nights a week.”

Her promise comes follows revelations that the town's current MP, Claire Ward, has claimed tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money in second home allowances for her Westminster flat.

She says her job as a government whip necessitates the second home, with late night sittings often meaning she cannot get back to Watford.

However, Ms Ward's election rival said: “Watford is within fast commuting distance of Westminster either by train or by underground, and I would expect to be home except for the occasional late night when either a cheap hotel or taxi home would be possible.

“Either way, it is much cheaper than a second home in Westminster at the tax payers’ expense, and I certainly don’t want to have a second house in London.

Ms Brinton added she was prepared, again if elected, to publish her full expenses and allowances regularly.

She added: “I believe that anyone in receipt of public funding should be prepared to do that. The current system is a mess, and subject to occasional abuse. This must not continue."